British Airways is testing an in-flight
entertainment system that operates through a virtual reality
headset.

Running until the
end of 2019, customers travelling on select BA117 flights in First from
London Heathrow to New York JFK will be able to enjoy a selection
of award-winning films, documentaries and travel programmes in 2D,
3D or 360° formats.

The headsets from VR eyewear specialists,
SkyLights, allow customers to fully immerse themselves in 3D view
regardless of the position they are sat in. The experience even
works when they are lying fully flat.

SkyLights is a former alumni of
British Airways’ parent company IAG’s Hangar 51 start-up
accelerator programme.

Sajida Ismail, Head of
Inflight Product at British Airways, said: “We are always looking
at the latest technology to enhance our customers’ experience on
the ground and in the air. Virtual reality has the power to revolutionise in-flight entertainment and we’re really excited to
trial these new glasses as they should create a unique and
memorable journey for our First customers.”

British Airways trialled the technology at Heathrow Terminal 5
earlier this year, giving customers a
glimpse of the Club World cabin through virtual reality.